HBCU College Fair Clears a Path for D.C. Area Students

Each year the HBCU Conference hosts a free college fair where students meet face-to-face with admission professionals from historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). At this special event, participating colleges not only offer advice and support to these students, but also grant on-site admission decisions.

Almost 100 D.C. area students—armed with copies of transcripts and SAT scores, ready to have conversations with admission officials—gathered at the Marriott Wardman Park for this year’s event.

Brianna Green, a senior at Columbia Heights Educational Campus, was one of the many students who arrived with a complete application, ready to take advantage of the opportunity. All Access was at the event and captured Brianna’s good news.

“I didn’t know he was doing on-site [admissions]. I thought it was going to take a while for him to tell me if I was accepted or not, but it happened,” said Brianna, as she chuckled in amazement. “So everything fell in my lap for Norfolk [University]. I guess that’s like destined or something.”

The HBCU college fair also allows students to participate in workshops, led by experienced HBCU educational professionals, that focus on everything from how financial aid can make college more affordable to preparing for the full college experience.

The fair has grown every year; this year’s hosted the largest number of HBCUs yet, providing more options for students. After all was said and done, more than half of all the applications submitted on-site were granted admission. A few students were even offered scholarships to defray college costs.

The College Board congratulates all students who participated, and thanks the following HBCUs for their support: Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL; Claflin University, Orangeburg, SC; Dillard University, New Orleans, LA; North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC; North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC; Norfolk State University, Norfolk, VA; Savannah State University, Savannah, GA; Shaw University, Raleigh, NC; University of the District of Columbia, Washington, D.C.; University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, MD; and Virginia State University, St. Petersburg, VA.